Annapolis MD-January 2018: After a 7-year absence, the Ballet Theatre of Maryland (BTM) is proud to bring back an audience favorite when Aladdin returns to Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts on February 23, 24, & 25. This mysterious tale from the sultry Arabian Nights stories will mesmerize the whole family as a Genie, a Princess, a Dark Wizard, a Sorceress, a ring of Power, and a Lamp of Wonders, come together to create some real magic onstage through the powerful language of music, theater, and dance. If you are looking for something romantic to share with that special Valentine, take a magic carpet ride with Aladdin as he rescues his Princess and her kingdom from the Demon Wizard Jamal. Audience favorite Diego Sosa stars as the free spirited, pure hearted street urchin, while the talented Emily Brennan steps into the role of his head-strong Princess Samira. And enjoy a Free trip to Daryabar at 1:00 p.m. prior to the 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee where you can sample delectable Eastern treats, meet Aladdin and his band of thieves, along with Princess Samira and more at BTM’s Arabian Nights Party.

The luscious musical score comes from two of the “mighty five” Russian composers—Rimsky-Korsakov and Borodin. Scheherazade, Prince Igor, and The Tale of Tsar Tsaltan, form the bulk of the musical score for Aladdin and are “richly compatible in their wide range of moods, and Eastern stylistic influence”, explains Artistic Director Dianna Cuatto. “As a kid, I grew up with movies like The Thief of Bagdad or Sinbad the Sailor where the hero was a common everyman who through his intelligence, wit, courage, love, rises up from the street to attain true nobility. I think this makes Aladdin an appealing hero for a fairytale ballet-a hero that appeals to all of us in everyday life.”